Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback – a dynamic duo

Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback – a dynamic duo

294 kW (400 hp) output, from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.1 seconds, up to 280 km/h (174.0 mph) top speed – the Audi RS 3 Sedan* and the Audi RS 3 Sportback* stand for outstanding performance. An unmistakable sound accompanies the explosive tractive power of the new five-cylinder engine.

The most powerful series-production five-cylinder in the world – the 2.5 TFSI – provides propulsion in both the facelifted Audi RS 3 Sportback and the new Audi RS 3 Sedan, which is the first compact notchback Audi with an RS badge. It delivers 294 kW (400 hp) – 33 hp more than the predecessor engine – and is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter, above all thanks to its aluminum crankcase. Its maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available at engine speeds as low as 1,700 rpm and remains constant up to 5,850 rpm. The compact RS models sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in only 4.1 seconds. Immense tractive power is accompanied by the unmistakable sound of the five-cylinder engine. This comes from having the ignition alternate between directly adjacent cylinders and widely spaced ones. On request, Audi can increase the electronically limited top speed from 250 km/h (155.3 mph) to 280 km/h (174.0 mph). In the NEDC cycle, the RS 3 Sedan and the RS 3 Sportback consume 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (28.3 US mpg).

The S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfer the power of the five cylinders to the road. Meanwhile, the electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. The sportier the driving, the faster and more often a large share of the torque reaches the rear axle. The quattro management is integrated as a standard feature in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, as are the steering, S tronic, the engine management, the adjustable exhaust flaps, and the optional RS sport suspension plus with adaptive damper control. The driver can individually vary the operation of these components between the comfort, auto, dynamic and individual modes. Handling is perfected by the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) with wheel-selective torque control and the sport mode with RS-specific tuning.

Together with progressive steering, the four-link rear axle, and the tight suspension setup lowered by 25 millimeters (1.0 in) relative to the A3, the RS 3 combines fascinating dynamism with superior stability. Compared to that of the series-production model, the track width at the front axle of the RS 3 is wider by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) and accordingly, the wheel arches are also more broadly flared. As standard, Audi equips the vehicle with 19-inch cast wheels fitted with 235/35 tires, and brake discs with a diameter of 370 millimeters (14.6 in). As an option, customers can choose carbon-fiber ceramic discs at the front. At the rear axle, brake discs with a diameter of 310 millimeters (12.2 in) and floating brake calipers are used.

The power of the compact top athletes is visible at first glance – with striking elements such as the quattro logo along the bottom of the Singleframe, the newly designed blade in the bumper and the wider wheel arches. The RS 3 Sportback is characterized further by chiseled sill panels. At the rear, a diffuser insert and the RS exhaust system’s large oval tailpipes are sure to turn heads everywhere. Whilst the sculpted rear of the Sportback is dominated by a striking RS roof edge spoiler, the trunk lid of the Sedan ends on an RS-specific spoiler lip. LED headlights with their distinctive lighting signature are standard for both models, and Audi offers headlights with Matrix LED technology as an option.

In the interior, sport seats upholstered in black fine Nappa leather reflect the dynamic character of the vehicle; more sharply contoured RS sport seats are also optionally available. The RS sport leather steering wheel has a flattened bottom section and features buttons for operating the infotainment system. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the center tunnel, which can be fitted with a touchpad if desired. This enables the driver to scroll, zoom and enter text. Also included is a free text search that automatically completes the user’s input after just a few letters have been entered. The voice control system processes questions and commands formulated in everyday spoken language. All of the displays are clear and easily legible. The two circular instrument dials are black with red needles and white scales, emphasizing the vehicle’s sporty character. The centrally positioned driver information system includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. Available as an option is the Audi virtual cockpit – the fully digital instrument cluster. A special RS screen puts the focus on the rev counter and provides information about tire pressure, torque and g‑forces. In the manual mode of S tronic, a scale with a color background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum revs.

The infotainment of the Audi RS 3 also boasts high-tech features. Using LTE, Audi connect delivers the brand’s diverse range of Internet services into the car. Using the Wi-Fi hotspot, passengers can surf the web using their tablet, smartphone, etc. The Audi phone box wirelessly links the smartphone to the vehicle’s antenna, whilst inductively charging the phone at the same time. With a 705-watt output and 14 loudspeakers, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System produces an excellent sound experience. Three new driver assistance systems complete the comprehensive offering: in many situations, traffic jam assist briefly takes over steering. The emergency assist brings the vehicle to a standstill automatically if required, and cross traffic assist rear monitors the road for crossing traffic when maneuvering out of parking spaces.

Both RS models will be available to order in Europe as of June 2017 under the “Audi Sport” label; the market launch will take place in August 2017. The base price for the Audi RS 3 Sportback is 54,600 euros, and the Audi RS 3 Sedan is listed at 55,900 euros.

Further information about the official fuel consumption figures and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electricity consumption of new cars,” which is available free of charge from all sales outlets and from DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH), Hellmuth-Hirth-Strasse 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (www.dat.de).